Thrombectomy Funnel with Dual-Braid Axial Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thrombectomy devices face challenges in effectively removing clots from blood vessels due to limitations in design and manufacturing methods, which affect their efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A thrombectomy apparatus featuring a catheter with a braided funnel structure, where a braided outer layer constrains the braided inner layer, and a tractor mechanism that inverts to engage and pull the clot into the funnel, utilizing a combination of braid angles and additional filaments to resist axial compression and maintain the funnel's shape during clot removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-layer braided funnel is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the funnel cannot maintain its conical shape under axial compression forces
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel is constructed as a composite structure with two braided layers having different braid angles. The inner layer has a first braid angle optimized for one direction of force, while the outer layer has a second braid angle optimized for the opposite direction. This composite braided structure allows the funnel to maintain its conical shape under axial compression forces that would collapse a single-layer funnel, while keeping the overall design relatively simple.
2Volume of moving object
If the braided inner layer has high radial expandability, then the funnel can accommodate larger clots, but the funnel structure becomes less stable under axial compression
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-layer braided construction allows the inner layer to provide radial expandability for accommodating larger clots while the outer layer with different braid angle provides axial compression resistance. The combination of these two layers with complementary properties resolves the contradiction between volume accommodation and compression strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the funnel structure have different braid angles optimized for different functions. The inner layer's braid angle is optimized for radial expansion, while the outer layer's braid angle is optimized for axial compression resistance. This local differentiation of structural properties allows the funnel to simultaneously achieve both radial expandability and axial stability.
3Strength
If additional filaments are added to the braided outer layer, then the axial compression resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution incorporates additional filaments in the outer braided layer to enhance axial compression resistance. While this does increase manufacturing complexity compared to a single-layer structure, the use of a systematic dual-layer braided design with defined braid angles provides a reproducible manufacturing process that balances enhanced performance with practical fabrication requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A thrombectomy apparatus for removing a clot from a vessel includes a catheter defining a lumen extending proximally from a distal end. A funnel is secured to the distal end and extends distally therefrom, the funnel includes a braided inner layer and a braided outer layer, the braided outer layer folded over the braided inner layer and adapted to constrain the braided inner layer. A tractor is adapted to extend over an outer surface of the catheter and the funnel in an un-inverted configuration and to extend in an inverted configuration through the funnel and into the lumen, the tractor adapted to invert by rolling over the distal end of the funnel when the tractor moves proximally. A puller extends through the lumen and is secured to an end of the tractor disposed within the lumen.